GREEN ON BLUE

09.05.12

Hundreds of Afghan Troops Axed

Investigations into attacks by uniformed Afghan police and military on international troops – or “green on blue” attacks – resulted in the firing of hundreds of Afghan soldiers on Wednesday. “Based on our investigations, hundreds of Afghan army soldiers have been detained and sacked from the army over the incident of insider attacks,” according to Defense Ministry spokesman Gen. Zahir Azimi. “This is a big concern for the Afghan president and the Afghan Defense Ministry.” This week, American troops halted the instruction of police recruits while background checks are ongoing. 114 people have been killed in 76 green on blue attacks since 2007, according to the NATO coalition in Afghanistan.